From Grasspatch to Tall Timber

Aidan Ietto hasn’t had the conventional path to the Subiaco Football club; priming himself as the Colts lead ruckman through perseverance and determination.

Ietto hails from the town of Grasspatch located 79 kilometres North of Esperance. Playing for the Gibson football club in Esperance, Ietto was noticed by Subiaco scouts two years ago as a good tall prospect.

The 193 centimetre tall ruckman has worked hard to earn his spot in the Subi Colts side this year; with Player Development Officer Jeff Lind praising the young ruckman’s abilities.

“Aidan’s been impressive because he gives us first use of the ball and rarely loses a tap. When he does win the tap it’s always to our advantage and helps us win the clearance game.”

“Along with this, he becomes an additional midfielder when the ball hits the deck because he has an enormous aerobic capacity. Down the track we may see him develop into an elite winger or runner because of his athletic abilities.”

In regards to where Ietto can improve in the future; Jeff Lind put it down to hard work in the gym.

“The main thing Aidan needs to work on is his strength and working hard in the gym. Once that comes, he’ll become a better contested mark and a dangerous aerial”

With a population of approximately 500, it may come as a surprise to hear that a current AFL player also emerged from Ietto’s home town of Grasspatch.

Collingwood’s Quinten Lynch was also found playing for the Gibson football club, with the big utility playing 47 games with West Perth before being drafted to the West Coast Eagles; a club in which he won a premiership.

Aidan Ietto will be hoping to follow the footsteps of big Q-stick; starting with helping his third place Colts side to a place in September.